Investigating Mitochondrial, Immune, and Vascular Mechanisms in Women with ME/CFS and Long COVID

Summary

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating,
multisystem illness characterized by profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), unrefreshing sleep, cognitive dysfunction, and a constellation of somatic symptoms including headaches, and immune irregularities. The illness is increasingly recognized as a possible outcome following SARS-CoV-2 infection, clinically referred to as Post-COVID Condition (PCC). Both ME/CFS and PCC share core biological and symptomatic features, suggesting overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms. Both ME/CFS and PCC disproportionately affect females, who comprise an estimated 75–90% of all diagnosed cases. This study aims to examine the multi-systemic nature of PCC and ME/CFS to better understand physiological signatures that make females more susceptible to these conditions.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 18 to 65

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

1. Age 18-65
2. Currently living with Long COVID-19, defined as still experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms at least 3 months following infection or diagnosed with ME/CFS by a physician (or No symptoms in the healthy control group)
3. Experience post-exertional malaise (will be assessed by researchers using a questionnaire) or no symptoms in the healthy control group.
4. Willing and able to attend to laboratory visits to the Huan Performance Lab at the University of Calgary on consecutive days
5. Access to computer, cell phone, tablet, etc with internet to complete online questionnaires
6. Complete and pass the Get Active Questionnaire
7. Provide informed consent for the participation in this study.

Exclusion criteria:

Participants will be excluded from the study if they meet any of the following criteria:
1. Non-English speaking
2. Orthopedic injury that would prevent exercise testing
3. Change in medication relating to symptoms of Long COVID-19 or ME/CFS within 4 weeks of study enrolment (Not applicable to the healthy control group)
4. Pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study
5. Significant cardiovascular or pulmonary disease such as stroke, chest pain (angina), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or heart failure or currently taking medications for any of these conditions

Participate

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Method of contact

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Additional information

Contact information

Keely Shaw

Principal investigator:

Jane Shearer

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB26-0005